Online Safety
The internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect – opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities, but the digital world is changing all the time. Whitehill Primary School includes online safety education in PSHE to educate our pupils how to stay safe online. With so much of our lives now taking place online and with the internet becoming an almost critical resource, keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe online has become paramount. There are many ways to keep ourselves safe online, but many of the key ideas can be broken down to these key statements (these are aimed at children but apply to all).
1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number without my parents’ permission.
2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across something that makes me feel uncomfortable.
3. I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.
4. I will talk with my parents about posting pictures of myself or others online and not post any pictures that my parents consider to be inappropriate.
5. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away.
6. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online and using a mobile phone. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
7. I will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.
8. I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or mobile device or jeopardise my family’s privacy.
9. I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.
10. I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology.
Installing Malware or virus protection is crucial to any computer, but to avoid many viruses monitoring and limiting which websites can be accessed is a good way to avoid anyone viewing content that is not suitable. Popular websites such as Youtube have ways of doing this. Watch the video shown here to understand 5 ways to make Youtube safer for Kids.
//www.youtube.com/embed/N8P_6aj8VbU#t=0.5
We encourage all of our parents and families to discuss online safety with their children and below are links you can use for supportive advice:
SWGL Online Safety Guidance for Parents
UK Safer Internet Centre Guides to Online Safety
Internet Matters Online Safety Guides
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Support
We at Whitehill Primary School and Nursery take the safety and well-being of our children incredibly seriously. If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety then please contact one of our designated safeguarding leads, who can be found on our school website HERE. If you are worried about online abuse or the way that someone has been communicating online then please make a report to CEOP.